Sparkling turquoise waters, pastel-hued villas and soaring cliffs – the Amalfi Coast is so beautiful it’s been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching for 50 kilometres along the southern edge of the Sorrentine peninsula, this part of Italy is a must-visit, and it’s easy to see why. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have all the inside knowledge about this scenic destination and have put together this essential travel guide to the Amalfi Coast. Ready for a taste of la dolce vita? Keep reading for more.
General info about the Amalfi Coast
View of beach, boats in the sea and mountains in Positano town, Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast has a fascinating history, having been inhabited since ancient times by the Greeks and Romans. In the medieval era, the Republic of Amalfi became a powerful maritime nation, playing a crucial role in the Mediterranean trade routes known for its shipbuilders, merchants, artists and paper production. Today, glimpses of its past are still visible in the architecture of the various towns and villages in the region.
Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast
As one of Italy’s prime holiday destinations, it’s no surprise that the Amalfi Coast gets incredibly busy during the summer. You may find it difficult to carve out space on the beaches or get restaurant reservations, so we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October. The weather is still sunny and warm, but the crowds are fewer.
The Shining Light, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is easy to get to, even by public transport. It’s well connected by train or bus to other Italian cities such as Naples, Salerno and Rome. There are also plenty of ferry links to other towns along the coast, be ith the islands of Capri and Ischia or cities like Salerno. The nearest airport is Naples Capodichino Airport, about 60 kilometres to the north.
Top activities and attractions
Beaches
Boats, swimmers and sunbathers on Marina di Praia beach sandwiched between two cliffs, Amalfi Coast
It’s called the Amalfi Coast for a reason, and its main attraction is the countless picturesque beaches. Part of the fun is taking a drive along the coast to stop at different beaches along the way. In Praiano, Marina di Praia is a charming little cove wedged between towering cliffs. Meanwhile, near Vietri sul Mare is Spiaggia del Duoglio, a natural beach with fine grey pebbles and crystalline waters.
Watersports
There’s no better way to admire the stunning Amalfi coastline than from the sea. There are plenty of exciting ways to go about this, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to go wakeboarding and waterskiing or prefer to take it easy with activities like kayaking and snorkelling. There’s even fun for the whole family, from banana boating to tubing. You’ll find various watersports companies up and down the coast where you can book activities and hire equipment.
Staying Power, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
Boat tours
For something a little more relaxing, how about a boat tour instead? There are many companies like Luxury Boats Positano where you can unwind aboard a luxury yacht and sail along the coast. Discover natural wonders like Grotta dello Smeraldo and Fiordo di Furore as you explore coastal towns like Amalfi and Atrani. By taking a private boat tour, you'll get to see small coves and beaches that aren't accessible by land.
Hiking the Path of the Gods
Shot of clouds covering the mountains on the coastal Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), which has rocky trails and wooden railings, Amalfi Coast
For keen hikers, the iconic Sentiero degli Dei is a must. Starting at the town of Bomerano and ending in Nocelle, the clifftop trail is nearly 7 kilometres long and boasts panoramas of the azure sea and hillside villages. You’ll walk through rich Mediterranean scrub bursting with wildflowers and fragrant wild herbs. In terms of difficulty, the Path of the Gods is an easy to moderate hike, with some uneven terrain and steep sections to look out for.
Explore Capri
Just a half-hour ferry ride from Positano, you can’t come to the Amalfi Coast and not take a trip to the island of Capri. Popular with A-listers, the island is glamorous yet laid-back, with gorgeous beaches and natural surroundings. Take in the views from the botanic gardens of Giardini di Augusto or climb to the island’s summit of Monte Solaro. You can also take a boat tour to admire sights like the Faraglioni rock and Grotta Azzurra with its glowing blue waters.
Hidden gems
Waterfall surrounded by dense trees cascading into small rock pool, Valle delle Ferriere, Amalfi Coast
A travel guide to the Amalfi Coast wouldn't be complete without some hidden gems. Head inland away from the coast and you'll come across the lush Valle delle Ferriere. A two-hour walking trail starts in the village of Pontone and ends in Amalfi, taking you through a valley filled with verdant forests, streams and waterfalls (which you can stop at for a refreshing swim).
For a viewpoint without the crowds, the Torre dello Ziro between Amalfi and Atrani offers breathtaking vistas of the coast and surrounding countryside. It's accessible via a 5-kilometre walk from Pontone, which takes you through the woods of Monte Aureo.
Best areas to visit and stay in
Amalfi
View of Amalfi town and cathedral's bell tower at dusk, Amalfi Coast
A can't-miss destination is the charming town of Amalfi, with its tiny alleyways and stunning medieval buildings. Be sure to check out the 9th-century Amalfi Cathedral before heading to the many shops and boutiques to pick up souvenirs. Amalfi's sun-soaked Spiaggia Grande has many sun loungers, restaurants and snack bars, making it a great place to spend long, lazy beach days.
Positano
One of the most famous towns in the area, Positano offers the very best of the Amalfi Coast. Colourful houses cascade down the cliffside and narrow streets are lined with shops, cafes and galleries. Spend your time relaxing under an umbrella on Spiaggia Grande, or take a kayaking tour and paddle along the coast to discover coves and hidden beaches. With excellent ferry links, Positano is a good base if you plan to visit other places in the area.
The Garden of Positano, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
Atrani
A short drive from Amalfi, Atrani is much quieter than its neighbour. It’s a small village with a more laid-back atmosphere, and you can spend lazy days sitting back in Piazza Umberto I and admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture, restaurants and colourful houses. Atrani is also home to a picturesque beach, the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming in its crystal-clear waters.
Ravello
Marble busts on the Terrace of Infinity in Villa Cimbrone, showcasing the view of the mountain and sea, Amalfi Coast
If you're seeking romance, the historic town of Ravello is the place to be. Perched high atop the cliffs, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the views. Take a romantic walk amongst the lush gardens of Villa Cimbrone. Here you'll find the exquisite Terrace of Infinity overlooking the dazzling coastline. Villa Rufolo is another lovely spot, built in the 13th century to host banquets for kings and nobility. With colourful flowers and magnificent sea views, the gardens also host a series of summer concerts as part of the Ravello Festival.
Vietri sul Mare
Famous for its handmade ceramics, Vietri sul Mare is the place to find glazed majolica pottery. These colourful artworks are everywhere you look, with numerous workshops and boutiques where you can bag some of your own to take home. Also in town is the private Spiaggia della Crestarella which comes with a fee, but it’s worth paying as you’ll get to escape the crowds and enjoy the views all to yourself.
Vision of Beauty, Plum Guide home on the Amalfi Coast
Eating out on the Amalfi Coast
Italy is known for its fantastic culinary scene, and we definitely couldn't leave it off our travel guide to the Amalfi Coast. The cuisine here is known for its fresh ingredients with an emphasis on seafood and locally-grown produce like lemons and aubergine. Oh, and we can't forget Mozzarella Di Bufala – whether eaten fresh or on top of a pizza, this creamy, rich cheese is manufactured in Campania.
Local delicacies
Typical street food cuoppo d'Amalfi (fried fish and squid) served in a paper cone, with an Aperol Spritz on the side, Amalfi Coast
Pasta is obviously a favourite dish, and no place does it better than Minori. The town's pasta-making heritage dates back to 1700s, so expect lots of delicious spots to try. Speciality kinds of pasta include n'dunderi (ricotta dumplings) and Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (pasta ribbons with shellfish, shrimp and squid). For more seafood, cuoppo d'Amalfi is a popular street food dish of fried fish and squid served in a paper cone. Meanwhile, sweet local delicacies to make a note of include sfogliatella Santa Rosa (a crispy pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit) and Delizie Al Limone (a classic Campanian treat made from sponge cakes oozing with zesty lemon cream and limoncello syrup).
Where to find food
The Amalfi Coast offers something for all tastes, and even the pickiest eaters will find something to please their taste buds. Whether you want to enjoy Italian comfort food from a traditional trattoria, try Neapolitan-style pizza from a pizzeria, tuck into fresh seafood caught right off the coast, or celebrate a special occasion in one of the Amalfi Coast high-end restaurants, you won’t ever go hungry here.
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